Surface Textures of First Cycle Quartz Sand Grains

Abstract

D~spite lhe pu~lication of numerous papers on surface textures of quartz sand grams fr?m dlfierent envlronments, only one paper has reported examining sand grains fro:n a ft~st cycle sand. M~)lltara Beac~, California is thought to contain first cycle sand grams denved from the adjacent granltlc rocks of Montara Mountain. Sand grains were collected, prepared, and viewed with the Scanning Electron Microscope. Forty-five to 50 grams were exammed and many photomicrographs taken of surface textures. These textures were compared to those reported as being diagnostic of high energy beach environ~ ents. Textures of grams from Montara Beach are indeed similar to those from other hlgh energy beaches. This confirms that surface features described as being diagnostic of beach environments are, in fact, produced on the beach.